Pure Breeding with High Genetic Proportions

The breeding objective of the Trakehner Verband is described as follows: To this day, Trakehners are the only riding horse breed bred according to the principles of pure breeding with high genetic proportions of English and Arabian Thoroughbred, Shagya and Anglo-Arabian, taking into account the selection criteria listed below.

The primary task of the Verband is to promote this original breed in its particular Trakehner-specific characteristics and to ensure the best possible breeding progress through appropriate measures.

The breeding objective is a rideable and versatile riding and sport horse of Trakehner type with good temperament.

 

Ancestry

Based on the warmblood horse population of Trakehner ancestry that originated in East Prussia, with high genetic proportions of English and Arabian Thoroughbred, Shagya and Anglo-Arabian. According to the principles of pure breeding, the Trakehner horse has been bred since 1945 using the genetic proportions of the East Prussian Warmblood of Trakehner ancestry that were still available after the war.

 

External Appearance

Colors: All colors
Height: The target height is 160 to 170 cm at the withers

Type: The Trakehner represents the noblest German riding horse breed, primarily characterized by the Trakehner breed type. Desired is the particularly elegant appearance of a large-framed, harmonious and noble riding horse, characterized by expression, nobility and distinction. The Trakehner type should be expressed in a refined, expressive head, a large eye and well-formed neck, defined musculature, and correct, clean limbs. Breeding stallions and broodmares should possess typical gender expression. Conformation: Desired is a large-framed and harmonious conformation that enables the horse to perform in sporting disciplines.

This includes: A medium-length neck tapering toward the head, good throatlatch clearance, a large, sloping shoulder, a prominent withers extending well into the back, a functional back that meets the requirements of an athletic sport horse and combines movement, swing, carrying capacity and balance, a long, slightly sloping, strongly muscled croup, and harmonious body proportions in forehand, middle and hindquarters. Also desired is a clean foundation proportionate to the conformation with correct large joints, medium-length pasterns and well-formed hooves, which promises long serviceability.

 

Movement Including Jumping

Desired are energetic, rhythmic and ground-covering gaits (walk 4-beat, trot 2-beat, canter 3-beat). The movements should be developed elastically and energetically from the hindquarters, transmitted through the freely swinging back to the forehand reaching freely from the shoulder. The direction of movement of the limbs should be straight and forward.

The walk should be relaxed, energetic and elevated with clear footfall. The trot and canter should be elastic, powerful and light-footed with a clearly recognizable suspension phase, carried with natural carriage and balance. Knee action is desired.

Jumping: Desired is elastic, capable and deliberate jumping that demonstrates composure and intelligence. In execution, clear collection, powerful and quick push-off at takeoff, distinctly quick folding of the limbs, an arched back with prominently protruding withers and downward curved neck with opening hindquarters (bascule) are desired. Throughout the entire sequence, the flow of movement and the rhythm of the canter should be maintained.

 

Internal Characteristics

Performance Aptitude, Character, Temperament and Health

Desired is an uncomplicated, sociable, yet willing, strong-nerved and reliable horse that makes an alert, intelligent impression and demonstrates good character traits and a calm, balanced temperament through its demeanor and behavior.

Undesirable are horses that are difficult to handle, nervous, anxious or timid.

Also desired are robust health, good mental and physical resilience, natural fertility, and freedom from hereditary defects.

 

Summary

The breeding objective is a healthy, large-framed and correct horse of Trakehner type, harmonious in form, rideable and versatile as a riding and sport horse with powerful, ground-covering elastic movements. Good character, balanced temperament, intelligence, willingness to perform, as well as endurance and toughness in performance should be particularly outstanding characteristics of the internal disposition.